Anireekshita Atithigalu, which translates as unexpected guests, is a crime thriller set over a single day. The story follows six people who arrive at a guest house and find themselves caught up in an unexpected situation.

Directed by debutant Manoj Annaiah and produced by B Vinod Kumar, Anireekshita Atithigalu will hit screens on September 18. The team had planned to introduce the film with its trailer, but instead chose to unveil its music first. At a media interaction, the makers shared details about the four songs in the film.

The music is composed by Swaminathan RK. One lyrical song has already been released, while the team also introduced an English pop song sung by Siri Katte. Manoj Annaiah says the song has been created to suit a particular situation in the story and isn't just a promotional number.

“I have sung two songs in the film. Earlier, I had sung for Hejjaru and Monk the Young,” said Siri Katte. Harshitha Devanath and Rajath Hegde have also lent their voices to the film.

The film brings together a young cast, several of whom come from theatre. Vivek Simha, who has known director Manoj Annaiah for nearly 15 years, says the project came together organically. “We all come from theatre. This is a film that happened unexpectedly,” he said.

Mythri Jaggi is part of the least cast. He also has a personal connection to producer B Vinod Kumar, who had earlier worked as an associate cinematographer on Raju. “The director has brought together every character carefully,” Jaggi said.

For Samprathi Alva, the music has another personal connection. She praised Siri Katte for lending her voice to her character. “I had earlier acted in a film where her mother had composed the music. Now Siri Katte herself has sung for me. I am very happy about that,” she said.

Vinod Kumar's move into production also has a story behind it. He had worked extensively as an assistant cinematographer before getting acquainted with Manoj through Jaggi. A short film directed by Manoj, set against a 1964 backdrop, convinced him to back the feature.

Manoj, who has acted in television and films, made two short films while waiting for an opportunity to direct a feature film. He has reunited with the cinematographer and music director who worked with him on those earlier projects.

“The story is about six people who unexpectedly enter a guest house. It is a crime thriller, but there is also a social issue within the story,” said the filmmaker.

Anireekshita Atithigalu has been shot over 25 days in Belur. The film has four action sequences, choreographed by action director Daya Pallavagere, and cinematography by Eric Victor John. The film also features Sri Datta, Daivik Nag, Haritha Shah and Gokul Chakravarthy in key roles.